By J. Michael Whalen
Times Staff
4/23/09
Perhaps you can go home again, after all.
The Rev. Aidan Walsh’s latest assignment would seem to give validity to that new twist on an old truism. The Boston native, who has been a priest for nearly four decades, recently became pastor of St. Elizabeth Church. And Milton, more or less, has been his home since before he was ordained.
Since his parents moved their family to the town in the mid-1960s, he estimated, he’s spent about 25 years of his life here. He was therefore understandably elated when he learned of his new pastorate.
“I’m really thrilled to be here,” said Walsh, who arrived at the church March 6 and will be installed as pastor by Bishop John Dooher at the 9:30 a.m. Mass on May 17. “In my wildest dreams, I never thought this would happen. I already knew many of the people, so it was very nice. I’m very familiar with the parish and staff.”
That staff includes his own sister, Sister Mary K. Walsh, who serves as director of religious education.
The reason Walsh has been able to become so intimately familiar with one community is that his career hasn’t been that of a typical parish priest. Ordained out of Baltimore’s St. Mary’s Seminary in May 1970, he’s spent most of his priesthood – which included 10 years in the Diocese of Worcester before he moved over to the Archdiocese of Boston – working in other areas. One was a 20-year stint as a chaplain for the Navy and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which included time as president of the National Conference of VA Catholic Chaplains.
“As a chaplain, I always considered Milton my home,” he noted, even though his work kept him on the go much of the time.
Walsh, who has earned several degrees in canon law, also has spent about 15 years as a judge in tribunal ministry, which involves dealing with annulment cases. He remains active, working one day a week out of the archdiocese’s Braintree headquarters.
While he didn’t know his predecessor at St. Elizabeth – the Rev. David Ziomek, who died of cancer Dec. 31 at the age of 58 – he had kind words for the previous pastor, the late Rev. Gilbert Phinn, whom he knew well.
“He was a wonderful priest,” said Walsh. “He was very dedicated to his people.”
Asked about his own plans for the parish, Walsh said he’s “still getting a look what’s here. But I want to meet the needs of the people – liturgically, especially. Everything emanates from the altar.”
Walsh said he believes in the importance of a social gospel and outreach from the church, adding that the parish’s senior citizens and youth are a priority because of their diverse needs.
He said he’s confident the religious education program won’t be a concern, as long as it’s in his sister’s hands.
“She runs a wonderful program,” he said. “She’s very proactive regarding her program.”
He also expressed gratitude for the presence of the Rev. Philip Conroy, the senior priest in residence, who still celebrates Mass and help out in other ways.
Meanwhile, others say they’re grateful for the presence of the new pastor.
Mary Shea DiCenzo, the parish’s new business manager who was brought aboard by Walsh last month, has known him for about eight years.
“He’s a hands-on pastor, conscientious, very bright and very, very pastoral,” said DiCenzo, who has worked for the archdiocese for 27 years. “He’s for the people; he’s not for himself.
“It’s a match made in heaven for both sides. I think it’s going to be a very positive experience for everyone involved.”
His proud sister couldn’t agree more.
“I think he’ll be magnificent,” said Sister Walsh, who has run the religious education program for 10 years. “He loves people, he loves his priesthood and he has a great sense of humor. He’s very capable and he has the ability to create community.
“I just hope he loves St. Elizabeth as much as I do. The people are wonderful. It’s a wonderful parish.”
During the Times’ visit to the rectory, a woman stopped by with a baked good for her new pastor. DiCenzo said such acts of kindness have been a common occurrence.
It’s something Father Walsh has quickly learned to appreciate.
“The people are very welcoming,” he said of the parishioners. “They couldn’t be more gracious.”